Hello everyone!  My name is Linda Giordano and this is my FIFTH year as the Counselor for Aspire Tate Academy!  I received my Bachelors in Social Work from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey and my Masters in Social Work from New York University.  I’m currently working towards my Doctorate in Clinical Social Work at the University of Southern California! I grew up near New York City and moved here with my rescue dog, Romeo, to work for Tate.  I enjoy relaxing on the beach, hiking, going to concerts, and traveling. I am excited to spend another year with all of you! I enjoy working in a school so that I can get to know students in one of their environments.  When I am not meeting with students in the Counseling Center, you will find me outside during recess and lunch playing with students and building trusting strong relationships. I look forward to seeing all of you grow over the years.  Please stop by and say hello! GO CHEETAHS!

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Hi! My name is Aurora Fernandez, this is my 8th year at TATE and I am a Kindergarten teacher. I am the oldest of 3 and I was the first one from my family to graduate from college. I have 3 children two are in college and the youngest is in 2nd grade.

My name is Tierney Burris, and I am a native Angeleno who happens to be a puppy mom. I graduated from Holy University (Oakland, CA) in 2014 with a Bachelors Degree in English and Multimedia Arts. I returned home to help with family, but decided to go back to school to study one of my loves: film! I received my Masters Degree in Film and Television at Mount Saint Mary’s in Los Angeles. I love french fries, chocolate, and red ICEEs. My favorite things to do are write stories, take pictures of nature, and paint. This is my 2nd year teaching with Tate and I am so excited to spend this year with you all!

Greetings! I am India Banks, and this will be my 4th year serving as a Speech-Language Pathologist for Aspire Public Schools Juanita Tate Campus. I grew up in Maryland as an only child and was raised by my amazing parents. Upon completion of my Master’s program in 2015, I relocated to my dream city, Los Angeles, where I explore my interests of wellness, yoga, traveling, photography and food/lifestyle blogging. LA is where I also officially started my career as a certified Speech Pathologist providing therapy in private clinics, homes, and elementary school settings.

Hi I am Coach Blanco, PE Teacher at Tate Academy. I was born and raised in South Los Angeles. I attended Thomas Jefferson High School located in South Los Angeles and I was part of the school’s Basketball and Baseball teams. My parents are from Michoacán Mexico and I have one sister and one brother I am the oldest. I have two daughters, the oldest is a scholar at Tate and I enjoy spending time with them. We usually go to Lakers and Angels games. I really enjoy watching and participating in sports and my interest in sports/physical activity motivated me to pursue a career in Physical Education.

My name is Ms.Martus. This will be SEVENTH year at Aspire Tate Academy. I have been teaching for TEN whole years now! I graduated from Chico State-Go Wildcats! My favorite thing about being a teacher is getting to know ALL of the Tate Cheetahs and learning new things about them every day. A few other things about me are: I am a HUGE sports fan. My favorite teams are the Denver Broncos, LA Dodgers and of course the LA Lakers! I LOVE to read and go to the beach while munching on some pineapples. I am looking forward to an AMAZING year with the FOURTH GRADE Oregon Ducks and Michigan Wolverines!